World

Stating faith a must for marriage registration

 
Pakistan's most populous province has made it mandatory for couples wishing to get married to submit a declaration about the finality of prophethood, a move that rights activists say will further alienate minority communities.

The decision to amend Muslim family laws was taken by the Punjab government led by the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly opposes the provincial government's move making it mandatory for couples to sign a declaration of their belief in the finality of prophethood," HRCP secretary general Harris Khalique said.

Khalique said that religious beliefs were "a private matter and protected under the constitution."

Tehreek-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) welcomed the decision.